Emergency responders executed a dramatic helicopter rescue in Queens, New York, this week after three men fell through ice-covered waters on February 6. The operation highlights the risks of winter activities as freezing temperatures persist across North America.
Authorities reported the men were stranded for over 30 minutes in near-freezing conditions before a Coast Guard helicopter crew located them using thermal imaging. All three were hospitalized with non-life-threatening hypothermia.
New York Fire Department Commissioner Laura Kavanagh emphasized the importance of ice safety awareness during a press briefing: "While urban waterways may appear frozen, currents and temperature fluctuations create unstable conditions."
The incident comes as cities across Asia and North America grapple with extreme winter weather patterns this February. Safety officials urge residents to heed ice thickness warnings and carry emergency communication devices during outdoor activities.
